How to Soundproof Your Seattle Windows

Do you ever have a situation where you’re jolted out of sleep by an early morning garbage truck or a party going on next door and wished that outside noises would stay on the outside?

Sound sneaks into your home through openings, gaps, and through material like glass and can result in restless nights. Windows, especially larger, older windows, are a big contributor source of noise entering your home, and by doing some basic soundproofing you can significantly reduce unwanted noise.

These are a few things that Seattle homeowners can do to soundproof your windows and reduce outside noise.

Add caulk or weatherstripping to your windows

Adding caulk or weatherstripping is an affordable “do it yourself” solution to block noise. Because sound travels through the air, blocking any gaps or openings by your windows will help reduce sound. You can add foam tape to the outside of your window sashes. For a double-hung window or a sliding door you can use vinyl v-strips on the outer sides. You can also apply caulk around windows and over any cracks to reduce airflow.

 

One downside of this do it yourself solution is that it’s not a long-term solution, and it clash with your room’s style.

Add dense window treatments like plantation shutters

Adding dense window treatments such as Seattle’s best plantation shutters can soften the noise coming through your windows.

Plantation shutters are a fashionable way to block the sound entering your home while also improving your home’s energy efficiency. Polywood plantation shutters are built with a custom weatherstripping design that locks out unwanted noise and temperature.

Polywood shutters are durable, so they have more longevity those DIY solutions. They’re typically more affordable than replacing your windows, and once installed are a permanent piece of your house, which can increase your home’s resale value.

Put in a sound-proofing plug

If you suffer from constant noise like construction noises you could benefit from a sound-proofing plug. This DIY solution is a straight piece of foam that you wedge in your window. Since the foam blocks light (and might look awkward), people use sound plugs during the night or in rooms that don’t get much traffic.

Replace or put in another window

If your windows are older and you experience draftiness as well as distracting outside sounds, it’s probably time to invest in new windows. If replacing all your windows is outside of your budget, you can add exterior storm windows or an additional window pane to especially noticeable windows. The downside is that getting new windows or adding extra panes can still be a pricey option.

Start reducing your outside noise today

Are you ready for a good night’s sleep, and do you want a more permanent solution to your noise problem? Then give us a call at 360-464-2277 or fill out the form below to get a free in-home consultation. We’ll go through all your window treatment choices in Seattle and end your noise problem with a solution that is as beautiful as it is practical.